Board of Trustees
Australian Cancer Research Foundation is governed by an honorary Board of Trustees. The Board comprising noteworthy Australians steers the Foundation’s strategic direction and governance to ensure all funds raised by our supporters are used in the best possible way.
Dr Tim Cooper AM (Chair)
13 March 2024
Chair - Trustee since 13 March 2024
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Executive Director, Coopers Brewery Limited
- Governor, Coopers Brewery Foundation Incorporated
- Deputy Director, Brewers’ Association of Australia
A fifth-generation brewer, Tim Cooper began professional life as a doctor after graduating in 1980 (MBBS, Adelaide). He practised hospital medicine, mostly in the UK, and completed a doctorate in 1990 (MD, Bristol). Tim also studied Brewing Science (MSc, Birmingham) before joining the family company in 1990.
After starting in the brewery as Technical Manager, Tim became responsible for Operations in 1993, and as Operations Director in 1997. From 1999, he oversaw the development of the new Coopers Brewery at Regency Park. He became Managing Director in 2002.
Tim is Chair of the Brewers Association of Australia, and Past President of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling. Tim was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2008 for service to the brewing industry, particularly through environmentally sustainable production and manufacturing practices, to professional organisations, and to the community.
Given his previous medical career, Tim is enthusiastic about the work of ACRF in supporting research into the biology of malignancy.
Why I joined ACRF
When I worked as a hospital doctor in the 1980s, the diagnosis of cancer typically signified a death sentence unless the malignancy could be surgically resected.
The evolution of cancer is complex at both the molecular biological level and in its multifactorial causation. However, the emergence of new technologies in the past 30 years has considerably improved the outcomes and survival rates for cancer patients.
With the generosity of our dedicated supporters, the ACRF provides scientists with the infrastructure and technology needed for pioneering research. I am inspired that this underpinning effort will lead to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved patient outcomes.
Ms Gitanjali Bhalla
5 June 2024
Trustee since 5 June 2024
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Chief People Officer, SGH Limited
- Director, Coates
- Director, WesTrac
- Director, Boral
- Director, Carriageworks
- Director, Sydney Dance Company
Dr Ian Brown
23 March 2022
Trustee since 23 March 2022
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Director, ProCan Technologies Pty Ltd
Mr Tim Crommelin
29 March 2000
Trustee since 29 March 2000
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Chairman of Eagers Automotive Limited
- Chair, University of Queensland Investment Advisory Board
- Director, The Brisbane Lions Foundation
- Director, Morgans Holdings (Australia) Limited
- Director, The Morgans Foundation
- Director, Australian Schools Plus
- Director, University of Queensland Endowment Foundation
Dr Dashiell Gantner
10 December 2019
Trustee since 10 December 2019
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Staff Specialist in Intensive Care, Medical Organ Donation Specialist, Alfred Health Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University
- Director, Alfred Intensive Care Foundation Ltd
- Director, Cassandra Gantner Foundation
- Chair, Jianguo, K-OSSS and K-OSSS II Pty Ltd
- Director, Nuco, Boqueria, Adela International Pty Ltd
- Director, Black Gantner Asset Management LLC
Ms Jennifer Hewett
20 September 2012
Trustee since 20 September 2012
Other positions held and current directorships:
- National Affairs Columnist, The Australian Financial Review
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret'd)
Trustee since 23 November 2011
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Chancellor, University of the Sunshine Coast
- Chair, Canberra Symphony Orchestra
- Chair, UNSW Canberra Advisory Council
- Chair, Supershock
- Advisory Board Member, Lowy Institute Board
- Visiting Fellow, Australian National University – National Security College
- Senior Councillor, The Cohen Group
- Patron, Sunnyfield Independence
- Patron, Stand Tall for PTS
- Patron, Australian American Association (Canberra Division)
- Patron, Bravery Trust
- Patron, Bomber Command
- Ambassador, ShelterBox Australia
- Patron, ACRF International Centre for Cancer Glycomics
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK, AFC (Ret’d) was awarded the Knight of the Order of Australia in January 2015 for extraordinary and pre-eminent achievement and merit in service to Australia, through distinguished service in the Australian Defence Force, continued commitment to serve the nation in leadership roles, particularly the national responses to the MH370 and MH17 disasters, and in a variety of roles in the community.
Sir Angus retired from the military in July 2011 after serving for 41 years. He was Chief of the Australian Defence Force from 2005-2011 and prior to that was Chief of Air Force for four years.
In 2022, Sir Angus was appointed by the Australian Federal Government to co-lead the Australian Defence Strategic Review. Sir Angus is Chancellor for the University of the Sunshine Coast, Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority and Chairs several other boards. He also serves as a board member for numerous organisations. He is a Senior Counselor for The Cohen Group (an international business advisory firm) and a visiting fellow of the Australian National University National Security College. In addition, he is the Ambassador/Patron for a number of charitable organisations, including several mental health charities. Sir Angus has been awarded four honorary doctorate degrees from the University of South Australia, the Australian National University, the University of New South Wales and Griffith University.
Sir Angus is a strong supporter of cancer research. He has been personally affected by cancer and believes supporting cancer research is an investment in saving lives and offering hope for individuals and families affected by this devastating disease. Advancing the understanding of cancer leads to the development of new treatments, better diagnostic tools, and potential cures.
Trustee since 2 June 2005
Retired 3 June 2026.
Other positions held and current directorships:
- AML/CTF Compliance Officer, Hall & Willcox
Shortly after commencing my legal career with the law firm that had acted on a pro bono basis for ACRF from its inception, I was asked to do work for ACRF. I was immediately impressed by the critical role that ACRF plays in Australian cancer research, and by the skill and passion that ACRF applies to that role. Since then, I have had the privilege to join the Board of Trustees and work with four chief executives of ACRF as we have continued to drive world-class cancer research in Australia. My legal experience includes the regulatory, corporate, finance and governance areas, with Allens, Hall & Wilcox and the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Why I joined ACRF
The people of ACRF are extraordinary. Every single one of them. The first ACRF person I met was Helen Kerr, then CEO (in the 1990s). Helen’s dedication to the ACRF cause made me want to be a part of ACRF and that wonderful feeling of being a part of such a strong force for good has continued ever since. All of the wonderful staff, all of the supporters, all of the researchers, all of the Medical Research Advisory Committee and all of my fellow Board members. They have all been, and remain, inspirational in our quest to overcome cancer.
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Mr Pat McCafferty
26 November 2024
Trustee since 26 November 2024
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Director, TasWater
- Deputy Chair WaterAid Australia
- Director Thriving Communities Australia
- Managing Director Yarra Valley Water 2014-2025
- Chair, Water services Association of Australia 2016 - 2020
Why I joined ACRF
Cancer touches nearly everyone, weaving its way into the stories of families, friends, and communities. It’s hard to find someone whose life remains untouched by its profound impact. Being part of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation fills me with hope and gratitude, as I get to witness the compassion, determination, and brilliance of those working tirelessly to find better treatments, cures, and ways to brighten the lives of those affected. By supporting cancer research, we share in the deeply human act of caring - not just easing suffering, but offering hope, saving lives, and standing together for a healthier, kinder future.
Mrs Cassandra Michie
29 October 2019
Trustee since 29 October 2019
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Director and Chair, Finance and Property Committee for the Wayside Chapel
Mrs Cassandra Michie BEc, BComm, LLB, FCA is a Senior Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
She leads the forensic accounting practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers. With over 31 years' experience she has led numerous financial investigations and preparation of expert reports in Australia, New Zealand, the USA (during a three-year secondment to New York), Europe and Asia.
She has also been actively involved in with Wayside Chapel for the past 9 years and is currently Director and Chair of their Finance and Property Committee.
Mrs Michie is currently a Trustee of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation, a Director of the PwC Foundation Pty Ltd and PwC’s Asia Pacific Limited Governance Board.
Why I joined ACRF
Cancer is pervasive through our society. I have, and we all have, relatives and friends who have been impacted by cancer and we live in an environment where the fear of cancer is ever present. Today, most cancer is treatable but we need research, investment and brilliance to treat all cancers and evolve our treatments.
At ACRF, through the grace of our donors and the expertise of our medical advisory committee we are able to select and back the greatest scientific minds with investment for equipment and research to eliminate the risks of cancer.
As trustee I want to be part of a world without cancer.
Ms Carmel Mulhern
28 November 2023
Trustee since 28 November 2023
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Chair, Telstra Foundation
- Member, Advisory Board, Centre for Artificial Intelligence & Digital Ethics, University of Melbourne
- Independent non-executive director, PwC Australia
Carmel is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years’ experience as a global executive and senior trusted legal advisor to Boards and CEOs within the telecommunications, financial services, media and technology sectors.
Carmel has leadership and governance experience from executive roles at ASX10 entities involving a range of sensitive and complex commercial, policy and stakeholder issues in highly regulated industries with large customer and shareholder bases.
Mr Adrian Redlich
13 March 2024
Trustee since 13 March 2024
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Director, Merricks Capital
- Chief Investment Officer, Regal Partners Income Strategies
- Deputy Chair, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Investment Committee
- Member, Cranbourne Investment Committee
Why I joined ACRF
My decision to join the board was deeply personal and driven by my desire to make a difference in the fight against cancer. My mother passed away from ovarian cancer, a disease that still has very low detection rates. Her loss was devastating and made me realise the importance of cancer research and the need for better detection and treatment methods. The ACRF is dedicated to identifying and funding the best-in-class research teams across various Australian cancer institutes. Their world-class approach and the dedicated researchers they support are working tirelessly to find a cure for this terrible disease.
Mr Mark Tims
5 June 2024
Trustee since 5 June 2024
Other positions held and current directorships:
- Partner, KPMG
Mr Tom Dery AO (Former Chair)
1 April 1994
Chair - Trustee since 1 April 1994
Other positions held and current directorships:
Chair, AIME
Chair, M&C Saatchi (Retired)
Dr Tim Cooper AM (Chair)
Ms Gitanjali Bhalla
Dr Ian Brown
Mr Tim Crommelin
Dr Dashiell Gantner
Ms Jennifer Hewett
Air Chief Marshal Sir Angus Houston AK AFC (Ret'd)
Mr Peter Jones
Mr Pat McCafferty
Mrs Cassandra Michie
Ms Carmel Mulhern
Mr Adrian Redlich
Mr Mark Tims